Following the flags: Tracking Patriots penalties for 2012 season

Through five weeks, the Patriots have been flagged for 28 penalties (28th in the league) for a total of 232 yards (25th in the league). Here’s a breakdown of the calls that have gone against the Patriots this year, not including penalties that were declined or offset:

Most penalized by position:Cornerback: Five penalties for 65 yardsSpecialists (punter, kicker, long snapper, kick/punt units): Five penalties for 34 yardsTight end: Four penalties for 30 yardsOffensive line: Four penalties for 20 yardsLinebacker: Three penalties for 13 yardsTeam: Two penalties for 15 yardsWide receiver: Two penalties for 15 yardsDefensive line: Two penalties for 10 yardsSafety: One penalty for 15 yards

Notes: By way of comparison, through five games last year, the Patriots had 34 penalties and 318 penalty yards. This year, through five games, they have been flagged for 28 penalties and 232 yards. (Here’s a look at the Patriots penalty information through the first five games of the 2011 season.) … Four Patriots were called for their first penalties of the season last week against the Broncos: Mankins, Ebner, Solder and Wendell. It’s interesting to note that Wendell and Solder — who have played every offensive snap this season — picked up their first penalties of the season on Sunday.